Monthly Archives: February 2013

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Challenges confront each of us every day. They come in all shapes and sizes. The thing that really matters for each and every one of them is…..

How much emphasis and meaning do we attach to them and how do we use our minds to resolve them.

We can make a long list of things that could create negative images if we let them.

Is it:

Our Weaknesses?

Our Physical Flaws?

Fears?

Mistakes that we have made?

Hatred for something or someone?

Sadness from an event or loss?

One person may put a mountain of emphasis on the same set of facts that someone else applies no meaning at all to. The key is to remember you are in control and you create your vision, attitude and mindset.

As Biziness Owners, Executives, Managers, Employees and Students we could worry all day long about a variety of things.

Your positive mental outlook will allow you to power through these thoughts and make the day productive and profitable.

Try this process Every Morning and see how it can positively shape your day.

Start out by describing things in your life that you feel stuck with (A). After jotting down the sticking point describe how you can take control to correct the situation (B).

For Example:

(A) I feel like I am so wrapped up in work that I am neglecting my children.

(B) I CHOOSE to plan a trip this weekend to the lake and go fishing and boating with my Son and Daughter.

After getting through the areas you feel stuck spend a little time writing down what you Appreciate in your life.

For Example:

I Appreciate the team I have assembled at my Company that work hard all day to accomplish our goals.

I Appreciate the Strength I have to get through difficult situations.

Try to put together a list of 9-10 things that you truly appreciate. You will find that this puts you in a great positive mindset allowing you to tackle the day!

I read this book when I was 21 years old and didn’t know what to do with the rest of my life. It helped me go from a Crunch n Munch vendor at the ballpark to a top salesperson at Radio Disney. Fifteen years later, I have given at least 40 copies away to interns, staff and friends who are searching for their career purpose. It’s difficult work – because not only will you read the book, but you’ll have to do a lot of exercises and soul searching throughout – but whether you’re 21 or 61, you’ll emerge with a clearer vision of what you want to do next and where you’ll want to work.

No author has influenced me more as a marketer, business person and writer than Seth Godin. I could have easily included 9 books just by Godin - Purple Cow, Tribes, Linchpin, Poke the Box & his latest, Icarus Deception are all amongst my favorites. But Permission Marketing described social media marketing before it existed. Seth understood push-vs-pull marketing long before others, and this book, published in 1999, is still a must read for anyone in marketing today.

This classic, one of three by Gladwell (Blink & Outliers are the others), demonstrates how successful products are launched, how ideas spread and how a trend can take off. It’s influenced me a great deal, as a word of mouth and social media marketer. And it’s an essential read, whether you’re in marketing or sales, or just want to become better at getting your ideas to spread.

Collins is scientist of great companies – and this is his best work – chock full of case studies and simple yet profound principles like Level 5 Leadership. Even though I read this book when my company was only a handful of employees, it inspired me to want to build something great, and enduring. Whether you work at a large company that has the potential itself to become great and enduring, or you have a vision of a company you’d like to one day build, this is a must-read.

It’s hard to believe I even had a business before I read this book by the founder of my favorite business group, Entrepreneurs Organization. Verne’s 1-page strategic plan is now used by both companies I’ve founded, and thousands of other companies. And our management teams use much of the methodology from this book. What’s great is that it’s both inspirational and quite practical – an excellent read for any entrepreneur or manager at a small business.

This is a must read for any small business owner – especially “technical” owners such as lawyers, accountants, florists, restaurateurs, consultants and dentists. Gerber inspires the small business owner to get out of his/her own way, and to build systems and processes that scale and allow the business owner to work “on” the business and not “in” the business.

Make no mistake – if you are an owner or leader at a business – this is a great, super valuable read, even if you or your owners have no intention or ever selling the business. The idea isn’t to create a business in order to sell it – it’s to create a business that has sustaining value beyond you and without you. Warrilow’s book is a short, easy story – with powerful, unforgettable lessons – so much so, that after my business partner and I read it, we gave copies to the entire Likeable team to read.

No matter what you do, this easy read will change the way you think about your work. It is so simply written, with small words and big pictures – and yet contains profound wisdom about how to be more productive and successful without being a workaholic or sacrificing anything. I read it in an hour on a plane, and have since shared it with two dozen colleagues, and referred back to it myself at least a dozen times.

Along with Seth Godin, Patrick Lencioni is my favorite business author. I’ve read and loveThe Advantage, Getting Naked, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and The Five Tempations of a CEO. But the reason I’ve selected this one as my favorite, is that, as I’ve written before here, our ultimate legacy isn’t our career, but our family. In this book, Lencioni applies his management consulting methodology and brilliant storytelling ability to the running of a family. It’s amazing how little strategy most of us parents apply to the most important organization we’ve got, our families, and this book helps change all that. Six months after my wife and I read this book, I’m proud to report that our family now has a strategic plan, complete with a mission statement, quarterly objectives, and weekly 10-minute meetings. And it’s going GREAT.

For some destinations, a reputation precedes them. They are thought to be expensive, inaccessible, and out of reach for many travelers. But don’t judge them on their pasts. Far-flung places like Hawaii, New Zealand, Russia, and even China are becoming easier to get to, and some recent deals are too good to refuse. So in the interest of challenging stereotypes, consider these 10 destinations that just might be more affordable than you think.

Note: Deals listed are meant to illustrate a trend and many will expire soon; however, similar offers are likely to follow so check back with the providers mentioned for the very latest.

Moscow

Moscow is an imposing and expensive city for many U.S. travelers. But it doesn’t have to be. While hotel rooms in the Russian capital are often considered the most expensive in the world (at about $400 per night on average), flights seem to be getting more affordable.

At the time of publication, Kayak lists February flights from New York for just $469 round-trip on Aeroflot, and several other airlines are also posting fares for under $500. Additionally, Lufthansa’s most recent special features flights from $529 round-trip for travel through mid-May; book by March 12. Swiss International Air Lines’ published sale includes options from $746. And Singapore Airlines offers flights from Houston to Moscow starting at $819 for travel through April 30. Note that fares to Moscow are cheaper than to any other city mentioned in these sales.

Apart from airfare, Moscow is working hard to upgrade its image to that of a more tourist-friendly city. Through a Leisure and Tourism Development program that aims to be fully realized by 2016, it hopes to attract 70 percent more foreign tourists. The results are emerging. Just launched in December, the Moscow Pass claims to save up to 30% on main attractions. Other new additions include double-decker tour buses and tourist information centers. Although hotel prices remain on the high end, the city appears to be having a hostel boom, which includes new budget-friendly properties such as the Safari Hostel, with shared rooms from around $22 per night, and Moscow’s first Sleepbox hotel for under $100 per night.

From November through February, one of the most storied big-wave surfing spots on Oahu’s legendary North Shore welcomes gigantic swells.(Photo: Douglas Peebles)

Hawaii

Over the past several years, faraway Hawaii has increasingly landed on SmarterTravel’s affordable destinations lists (most recently, our Top Five Bargain Destinations for Winter 2012/2013). But thanks to an early 2013 sale from Hawaiian Airlines, the Aloha State just went from affordable to bargain-basement cheap, with fares from San Jose to Kahului starting at just $250 round-trip and from Oakland to Honolulu for as low as $335.

Other airlines have been making waves as well. For example, American has launched a sale matching some of Hawaiian’s routes but also adding a few of its own, such as $479 from Las Vegas to Kona and $536 from New York to Lihue. Allegiant Air has been expanding into the Hawaii market, most recently with service from Phoenix to Honolulu beginning on February 8. Sample fares start at $343 round-trip for March departures.

Another option is to look for airfare-and-hotel packages. Pleasant Holidays, for example, lists a three-night Oahu deal from $479, which also includes a free mid-size car rental. As for hotels, Aston Hotels & Resorts has a slew of spring deals starting at $99 per night on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui; book by March 15 for travel through June. Air Canada is offering free nights on the islands when you book airfare. Deals like these have been the norm lately, so keep an eye out for new ones. The Hawaii Tourism Authority keeps a list of current promotions.

People tour the ruins of Machu Picchu near Cuzco, Peru.(Photo: Martin Mejia, AP)

Peru

Land of adventure and now a burgeoning culinary destination, Peru has been catching the eye of many travelers lately. In fact, OneTravel.com just dubbed capital city Lima as one of its top five international travel destinations for 2013. Recent deals have made it more affordable to reach than ever.

LAN Airlines kicked off the New Year with a big sale featuring flights to Lima starting at $499 from Miami, $599 from New York, and $699 from Los Angeles or San Francisco. While that sale has ended, others will likely crop up. For instance, a flex search on Kayak yields fares from between $444 and $679 for New York departures in March. Also be sure to check with airlines like Taca and Copa, which both have extensive route networks for South and Central America.

Airfare-and-hotel packages make planning especially easy since you can book two components with one transaction. Go-Today is offering a four-night Lima escape from $899. Tack on Cusco and Machu Picchu and pay $1,599 for six nights total. Hotels offer affordability as well. At Terra Andina Hotel in Cusco, winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2013 Award, rates for 2013 start at $149 per night. And Sonesta’s Posadas del Inca Puno, set on Lake Titicaca, has two-night packages with breakfast for two from $204; add $25 for a Peruvian dinner. Posadas del Inca Yucay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a similar package; however, you pay only $160 for February stays.

People walk by the Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace in Beijing on an April day.(Photo: Liu Jin, AFP/Getty Images)

China

With stringent visa requirements and hard-to-find online planning resources, China is often considered “complicated” by many Western travelers. However, all that is starting to change. In January, the China National Tourist Offices launched a new website for North American travelers to highlight travel information, from suggestions on activities to planning assistance. And the country is finding other ways to encourage tourism. For instance, effective January 1, 2013, transit passengers from the U.S. and Canada are now allowed to stay in Beijing and Shanghai for 72 hours without a visa. And as China soars as a leading air-travel market with more airlines adding new service, it’s becoming easier to get to.

The country is surprisingly affordable, too. At the time of publication, fares on Air China include $808 from New York to Shanghai and Guangzhou and $951 from Los Angeles to Beijing. Starting July 11, the airline will add new service between Houston and Beijing, so look for more introductory fares to appear. Tour operator China Spree has launched a 10-day Tibet and Beijing trip starting at $1,899, which includes round-trip airfare from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Beijing, round-trip airfare from Beijing to Tibet, four-star hotels, meals, and day tours. The company also lists an eight-day Beijing-only tour with round-trip airfare from just $899. For those yearning to sail the Yangtze, Viking River Cruises is offering up to two-for-one pricing on itsChina’s Cultural Delights and Imperial Jewels of China departures (mention offer 03).

With average hotel prices close to $300 per night, you might quickly deem New York City way out of your budget. Don’t cross it off your vacation list just yet, though. Change is in the air—or, should I say, in your hotel room. According to USA TODAY,Manhattan is experiencing a hotel boom with more affordable options. These new hotels, including Best Western Premier and Hyatt Place properties, will offer rooms for under $200 per night. Also, several other area hotels have announced 2013 discounts. While many sales apply to the winter off-season, others run throughout the year.

For example, The Out NYC, an urban resort, is offering savings of 15 to 25 percent through February; pre-discounted rates start at $179 per night (call the hotel to receive this discount). Also, NYCGo.com has posted a winter sale with rates discounted up to 20 percent in several boroughs for stays during the January-February slow period; The organization also announced its first-ever The Design Collection promotion at 19 boutique hotels, with discounted admission to venues including the Museum of Arts and Design and The Skyscraper Museum.

Additionally, you’ll find the luxurious Lofty Pleasures Romance Package, starting at $239 per night through December 30 at The Tuscany; or browse Travelzoo’s list of New York City discounts, including savings on hotels, airfare, Broadway-show tickets, and other attractions.

Recently highlighted in SmarterTravel’s Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Spring 2013, Istanbul is one to watch for rock-bottom deals, especially when it comes to flights. Over the past several years, Turkish Airlines—voted the Best Airline in Europe by Skytrax—has been adding new service to/from U.S. gateways, and it continues to expand (most recently adding Houston service for April 2013). The deals are following.

For example, flights from Houston to Istanbul are on sale for $799 round-trip though May 15. Even better, pay only $399 from Washington, D.C.; offer expires February 17. Other airlines are trying to compete. Expedia, for instance, shows flights from New York from $493 round-trip for February and March departures. With most fares to Europe and Asia costing over $1,000 round-trip, these flights are a steal.

Skyline Rotorua offers gondola rides up a mountain overlooking Rotorua, New Zealand, a lake resort area near the port of Tauranga.(Photo: Gene Sloan, USA TODAY)

New Zealand

Middle-earth (I mean, New Zealand) has been on many travelers’ maps the past few years, with a renewed surge in interest since the release of The Hobbit in late 2012. Thankfully, several airlines are willing to get you to this distant locale for less. Starting March 13, Hawaiian Airlines will begin service to Auckland from 10 West Coast cities. When I checked, sample rates for airfare from Los Angeles came to $1,170 round-trip, which is on par with average flights to Europe. Making things more affordable, Orbitz is pairing airfare with hotel discounts (rates start at $51 per night for three-star properties and $134 per night for five-star properties).

Air New Zealand is offering comparable fares from Los Angeles and San Francisco from $1,218 ($885 from Honolulu); book by February 19. Or, The Lord of the Ringsfans can choose the Fellowship of the Ring package with airfare, eight nights’ accommodations, and a car rental from $2,649. Travelscene has a New Zealand Airpass from $1,399 that includes flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown; book by February 20.

While many of these offers are limited and will expire, fares and package deals like these have been the trend (Groupon, for example, recently offered $900 off a nine-night self-guided tour of New Zealand and Hawaii), so be sure to check back regularly with the providers mentioned.

Hundreds of people enjoy beer in one of the tents during the annual giant Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, southern Germany.(Photo: Joerg Koch, AFP)

Germany

Germany might be a land of fairytales, but visiting doesn’t have to remain a fantasy. In 2013, the country celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the Brothers Grimm stories (along with other notable events such as Richard Wagner’s 200th birthday), and transportation deals make getting there easier.

Lufthansa regularly runs sales to Germany, most recently with fares starting at $629 round-trip from New York to Dusseldorf and $719 to Berlin, and from $789 from Miami to Dusseldorf. Competitor AirBerlin posted a Valentine’s Day sale with fares starting at $599 from New York to Dusseldorf and $698 from Miami. Check back with both airlines for the latest deals.

Also, traveling within Germany just got a little cheaper. You can get 20% off five- and six-day Bahn rail passes for travel between Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, plus complimentary city cards with free public transportation and attractions discounts; travel through May 31 and book by March 31. For Grimm fans, Europa-Park, Germany’s biggest theme park, will reopen for the 2013 season on March 23 with an expanded Enchanted Forest. Early birds save 20% at the park’s themed hotels.

An Egyptian camel rider looks for clients at the historical site of Giza Pyramids, Egypt.(Photo: Amr Nabil, AP)

Egypt

Unrest in Egypt continues to deter travelers, but if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting tombs in the Valley of the Kings or sailing down the Nile in luxury, now might be the best time to go. For one thing, getting there might be surprisingly affordable. Emirates recently posted fares to Cairo for under $1,000, and a flex search on Kayak yields fares from New York to Cairo for $788 round-trip on EgyptAir.

In country, upscale excursions and hotels can be had for less. Sonesta has slashed prices on summer Nile River sailings by 50 percent; book by February 28. High-end tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has several Egypt deals, including 25 percent off select February and March journeys and reduced single supplements. And discounts on luxury hotels are easy to find, including 20 to 30 percent off at the Le Meridien Heliopolis in Cairo (rates start at $80 per night) and up to 30 percent off winter breaks at the city’s Kempinski Nile Hotel (nightly rates start at $147).

The U.S. State Department recommends that U.S. citizens avoid areas where large gatherings and demonstrations may occur, but check back for the most up-to-date warnings.

Buck Island, St. Croix.(Photo: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism)

St. Croix, USVI

Considered more expensive and harder to get to than its USVI neighbor St. Thomas, St. Croix is now a stronger possibility for more budget-conscious travelers. The U.S Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has extended its Fantastic Flight Promotion, which includes a $300 airfare credit on six-night packages, the sixth night for free, and a $20 casino certificate, for travel through May 31; purchase by March 31. The offer is good at more than a dozen participating hotels, and you can book through 11 different partners, including CheapCaribbean, Expedia, and JetBlue. Also, USVI’s Intimate Treasures promotion, available at a slew of hotels, includes dining and attractions certificates valued up to $100.

Several island hotels have their own deals, too. For example, Hibiscus Beach Resort offers a free fifth night and 25 percent off for those who book at least a year in advance, and Tamarind Reef Resort will discount stays by 15 percent (use promo code: SUN15).

Also remember that U.S. travelers don’t need a passport to go to St. Croix, which makes a getaway even easier.

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Top business Leaders and successful Managers use specific words to achieve success. They also avoid certain words and phrases.

Here are 10 phrases to stop using now:

1. “I can’t do that” or “That’s Impossible” or “That can’t be done”

These negative phrases are perceived by others as unconstructive and even stubborn. Instead say “Let me check on that for you” or “What I can do is…” Be positive is the mindset here.

2. “You should have….” or “You could have…” or “You ought to have…”

These phrases imply blame, figure pointing and fault. There is no quicker way to upset a boss, colleague or customer. Instead try these phrases in a more collaborative approach: “Please help me understand why…” I understand your challenges; let’s resolve this together…”

3. “That’s not my job” or “I don’t get paid enough for this” or That’s not my problem”

If you’re asked to do something for your boss, it’s because it’s important to them. Reply by saying, “I’ll be glad to help you accomplish that, I have been working on project A,B and C what should I put on the back burner while I work on this new item? This clearly communicates priority, reminds the boss of your current workload and subtly implies realistic expectations.

4. “I may be wrong, but…” or “This may be a dumb question, but…” or I’m not sure about this, but…” or “This may be a silly idea, but…”

Eliminate the prefacing phrase that demeans or negates what you are about to say. Drop the “but” and just make your statement. This is much more powerful.

5. “I’ll Try”

As we all heard in Star Wars from Yoda while he was training Luke Skywalker….“There is no TRY only DO” Don’t tell your boss that “You will try to get that report done by Friday.” Tell him “I’ll have that report on your desk by the end of the day Friday” The TRY is not helping you.

6. “I Think”

You can start to see the trend I’m conveying. Strong powerful language will help you get to where you want to go. Eliminate the weak wording. Which of these two statements do you find more effective? “I think you might like this new solution” or “I am confident you’re going to like this new solution” Eliminate the weak words “think” and “might” that sound unsure and undermine your credibility.

7. “… don’t you think” or “…Isn’t it?” or “…OK?”

Make your statement or recommendation with certainty and avoid tacking on the approval –seeking question. Don’t say “I think we should proceed using this new procedure, Ok?” Instead, make a declaration: “We’ll proceed using this proposed procedure”

8. “I don’t have time…”

Other than being rude and abrupt, this phrase tells the person they’re less important to you than the other things you have going on. Instead say “I’d be glad to discuss this with you. I’m working on a deadline this morning. May I stop by your office this afternoon around 3pm to discuss this with you?”

9. Another kind of “….but…”

The use of but will negate what you said prior to it. Imagine your significant other saying to you “Honey, I love you, but….” Similarly, imagine if a salesperson said “Yes, our implementation process is fast, easy and affordable… but we can’t install it until June. Replace the “but” with “and” and listen to the difference: ““Yes, our implementation process is fast, easy and affordable… and we can install it as early as June.

10. “He’s a jerk” or She’s lazy” or “This company stinks”

These negative judgments can tank a career quickly. If a genuine complaint or issue needs to be brought to someone’s attention, do so with tact and facts not your opinion on the matter. For example, when discussing a co-worker’s tardiness with your boss, don’t say “She is lazy” Instead say, “I’ve noticed Susan has been an hour late every morning this month.” This comment states an observable fact and avoids disparaging language.

Read these tips and begin practicing them. Your mindset needs to be confident and powerful not weak and submissive. Getting yourself in the correct mindset will help you choose the more powerful language!

Source: Darlene Price, author of Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results

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Last Fall I was invited to a golf outing for a local charity at one of the more Posh Country Clubs in town. Typically I golf with my buddies once a week and it is a very casual affair. This particular Fall day was a bit chilly. I chose to wear a light jacket and Jeans.

I got there, hit a few balls on the driving range and soon noticed that I was the only guy in jeans! I began to wonder if I might get kicked off by the Pro. The other guys didn’t really look that impressive, it was a sea of dockers, rumpled khaki pants and wind breakers. Many of these guys were CEO’s and Executives with local firms. It didn’t take long to realized I needed a better plan.

If you have been following this blog, you understand that I put a lot of emphasis on attitude, presence and putting yourself in a position to use your strength to get what you want. It was not a good strength move looking like I just got out of the bar at this Country Club event.

I called a good friend of mine who always is sporting the latest tour gear. He wears golf clothes that are cool and in fashion. I have to admit he has a golf game that is good enough for the days he wears his Pink Puma Garb too!

Jeff told me to take a look at TrendyGolf.com. I went online looked over the clothes and ordered a few items. They showed up quickly and the clothes were awesome. I ordered the wrong size in a few things and the return process was a breeze! I have since ordered shoes, shorts, pants, jackets and even a few liners I use when I go skiing. Their stuff is high quality and priced right.

Next season I should be ready for anything! Go to the site and take a look. They have both Men’s and Women’s clothing and much much more.

I have no ownership in TrendyGolf.com and they are not compensating me to write this. I only pass it along because I think you will enjoy the site and the service and pricing are Outstanding!

Have Fun!

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When you don’t get the raise, sign the deal, sell the product, or lose to the competition, the worst claim you can make is that you’re unlucky. This paralyzes you from taking the necessary action to change the course and bring “luck” in your favor… which begs the question, how do you make your own “luck?”

I find the most “lucky” people in business are the ones who first start with a clear intention of what they want. They can articulate it, describe it, feel it, and make it absolutely real. In a sense, they visualize it already done, and are pulled towards it as their goal. They see the process and its outcome as aspirational not perspirational. Their attitude, as much or more than their aptitude, drives the destiny of their goal.

The “lucky” ones realize they must work harder than everyone else. When success doesn’t happen, their patience and persistence forces them to ask the critical questions as to why the process hit a speed bump. With this acute sensitivity, they’re constantly making course corrections to their goal.

Making your “luck” to attain your goals requires your authenticity. More often than not, you’re trying to persuade others to become cohorts in the process or at least buy into your proposition. In almost every case, collaboration for execution is necessary. And so, you must always be interested in what’s in it for them. Can you make it a win/win proposition so you’re both “lucky?” If there’s risk, and there’s always risk where you think there’s “luck,” are you shining the light on the risk – demonstrating you have skin in the game? If you’re partners in the outcome, you must proclaim that you will laugh and cry together.

This week is the Miami Boat Show. People from around the World attend this great event. You can see everything from jet skis to multi-million dollar yachts. February 14-18th

While you are in town to check out the yachts and party with the rich and famous check out the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. This Festival is Huge and has lots of great art to look at and purchase. Lots of fun family stuff too.

The first 5 things on this list stand a very good chance of getting more and more valuable over time. Because of that, the best time to acquire them would have been yesterday! Since that is not an option the time is NOW. Stop letting time go by and sit down and plan when you are going to knock down the things you want. Remember, whether you are rich or poor educated or not the thing that every human being is constrained by is TIME. Don’t waste it and don’t let it drift by. You can never get it back!

The last three things on the list will certainly enrich your life, and I would recommend doing them today. The most thought of all of them needs to be put into your new business idea. Think it through, enroll your friends, family and colleagues and get it going!

Today is the Day!

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I love to hop on the Harley and take a big road trip at least once a year. Last year my friends and I started in Vail Colorado and Cruised through the National Parks of Utah on our way to Las Vegas. This part of the country is so stunning you all need to find a way to take this trip! The views from a motorcycle are spectacular but you can certainly do it with a Jeep or any other convertible. Below is the path we took and the places we stopped. Don’t forget your camera, you are going to need it!

Take time to visit the many diners and saloons along the way.

We started in Vail but Aspen and Telluride are also great places to hang out a few days before you get going.

I like to schedule around 350 miles per day. This will give you plenty of time to stop and look around along the way.

Arches National Park, Moab

Day 1: Vail Colorado to Moab Utah.

Let’s get on the road by 8am or so and take I-70 through Glenwood Canyon and then head South on Hwy 133 to Hotchkiss Colorado. You will find Canyons, Mountain Passes and Wineries along the way. At the end of town in Hotchkiss you’ll find The Home Town Café on the right hand side. They have good food in a friendly environment.

140 miles, about 3 hours.

After lunch head out of town on Hwy 92 and then South on 50/550 through Montrose. Head West on 62 through Ridgeway and then onto 145 to Norwood Colorado. There is a Cool Little Saloon on the left hand side of the road. Great place to take a break.

110 miles, about 2 ½ Hours

After a break at the Saloon head out of town on 145 to 90, 46 and then North on 191 into Moab. Look into staying at the Red Cliffs Lodge on the Colorado River 866-812-2002. You will love the setting.

Red Cliffs Lodge on the Colorado River in Moab

100 miles, about 2 hours.

Day 2: Moab National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Get up early and take a cruise through the park. You can spend a few hours to all day exploring this incredible area. The bright red cliffs show the marks from the raging water years ago! If you have the time, stay a second night in Moab. You can hike, mountain bike and Jeep in this great Park.

When you are ready to head to Bryce take 191 to I-70 through Green River. Go South on Hwy 24 to Hanksville, UT. Stop at Blondies for giant burgers and shakes.

110 miles, 2 hours

After lunch continue West on Hwy 24 and then South on Hwy 12 to Escalante, UT. Try the North Creek Grill for a rest and beverage. This is a winding and beautiful drive.

110 miles, about 3 hours.

Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase

After a break, continue on 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park. Another incredible Drive!

We stayed at the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. 800-568-8520.

50 miles, 2 hours

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park through Zion and onto Las Vegas.

Head out of town on 12 and then onto 89 then 9 into Zion National Park. This might be the most spectacular Park yet. Take your time and enjoy it. While cruising through the Park you get the feeling that a Tyrannosaurus Rex could be around the next corner.

Zion National Park

When you exit the Park you will be in a small town called Springdale. Stop at Wildcat Willies for lunch. This place has good food and a great atmosphere. Get a table by the window and watch the people go by.

110 Miles, 3 ½ hours.

After lunch it is time to cruise into Las Vegas. You will have the opportunity to stop at a casino or two along the way. Take I-15.

160 miles about 3 hours.

There are countless diversions, stops and side trips that you can take from Colorado to Las Vegas. The trip outlined here is a very quick way to get a lot of views into a short period of time. If you have the time, I would encourage extending your stays at each stop and really exploring the surrounding areas. You could easily spend another night or two in Moab, Bryce Canyon and Zion. Plan this trip for the summer now. Anytime from Memorial Day through September will work the best. Have a great trip and then schedule that massage in Vegas!

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You only live once. No time like the present. You’re not getting any younger.

How often do you hear things like this? What are people trying to tell you when they say things like this to you?

Life is short and you had better learn how to Maximize your time and resources.

Many business owners and successful business people have a difficult time living this concept. I hear people say all the time “As soon as I accomplish “X” I will slow down or take that long vacation.” Many times they never allow themselves to get to that magical plateau and really enjoy life.

I am a big believer in maximizing everything I do. That doesn’t mean that I fill up every minute of my life with great fun things, but I am very aware of this and give it a tremendous amount of my attention.

Freeing up your time starts with making sure you are spending time on your businesses success NOT in your business’s daily routines. Chances are that you are successful because of your ideas, personality, leadership or vision and not because you can work long hours at a desk or in meetings poring over reports. Don’t get sucked into your business and convince yourself that if you didn’t do these things your business would not be as successful as it is. There are plenty of talented people out there that can perform those duties at a fraction of what you should be “billing out” at. I would challenge you to Increase your awareness today and begin to measure and evaluate how you spend your time and begin carving out time that can be shifted to maximizing your life. I have found that the time I spend away from my desk tends to be a time where my mind is more open and ideas flow more freely.

As this shift begins we all need to decide what we will do with this new found freedom. Some of the most rewarding times are those spent with Family and Friends. Don’t underestimate the power of time spent alone either. Time alone has proven to be very powerful and rewarding.

Maximization Tips:

Plan, Plan, Plan. If you want to squeeze every drop out of life, you will need to take the lead. You must plan the trips and get togethers with your friends and family. Don’t wait for them to call you, which will waste your precious time. This goes for trips to Europe as well as a 45 minute happy hour after work. Decide how you want to spend your time and then you schedule it!

Get as much information as you can when planning your getaways. This includes friends, family and of course the web. This will help insure that your time away is maximized with things and an agenda you will enjoy.

Don’t be afraid to spend a little more in certain areas. To truly maximize your life and get the most out of it you will need to spend a little more money on certain things. Flying First Class to Hong Kong allows the “trip” to start from the time you get on the plane rather than when you finally get there. Eating at that 5 star restaurant really steps up your experience compared to various other choices. A room upgrade at the hotel may be a much more enjoyable experience. However, the $1,000 per night suite may be more than you need and money could be better used elsewhere. Get the idea? Actively plan how to best use your resources to maximize the time spent. Sometimes that means planning a truly maximized less expensive domestic trip and doing Europe next year.

I have noticed that some of the most enjoyable and rewarding activities don’t really cost a lot of money. This will help in the realization that you don’t need to be filthy rich or need to get to that magical plateau to Maximize and enjoy your life.

I enjoy an afternoon of zipping through Iowa’s Loews Hills on motorcycles with friends or catching a Creighton Basketball game with my son. When you start to think about it, some of the most rewarding and fun times are spent just hanging out with those you care about. But YOU need to schedule it!

Action Steps

Become aware of how you are spending your time.

Begin to eliminate the things that are not important or that you can delegate to others.

Use your free time to maximize your business activities and personal time.